Dr. Andy Jakubowicz with WakeMed points out that globally Australia reported a bad flu season and that could be a predictor for what we'll see in the U.S. He also says it could be another month before we see the flu really hit our area.

"It's a little bit more out west, we'll probably start seeing it, I don't know, three to four weeks," Jakubowicz said.

That doesn't mean there haven't been any cases, but he predicts we'll see more.

The NC Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that timeline, saying flu infections are most common from late fall to early spring. Still, it has already reported the state's first flu deaths this year.

A 100-degree or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)

A cough and/or sore throat

A runny or stuffy nose

Headaches and/or bodyaches

Chills

Fatigue

Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

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